Negotiations between Josh Barnett and UFC hit a sticking point

The top free agent’s rep said the two sides have reached “a sticking point” despite agreeing on guaranteed compensation.

“Once we have an acceptable deal with someone, we will close, sign and hopefully fight within a few months,” manager Leland LaBarre today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

Sources close to the promotion confirmed that Barnett’s offer was still on the table, though talks had recently deteriorated.

Barnett served the obligation of his previous contract with the now-defunct Strikeforce when he submitted Nandor Guelmino at the promotion’s final event.

This past month, Barnett indicated that he was considering the idea of signing with the industry-leader due to high demand from fans wanting to see him compete in the octagon.

But the fighter also entertained offers from competing promotions, according to LaBarre.

“We’ve had a discussion with every major organization you’ve heard of and some you haven’t,” he said.

UFC President Dana White recently confirmed ongoing negotiations with Barnett and expressed his openness to sign the fighter despite a contentious past with him. However, sources close to the promotion indicated things were “not looking good” at the moment.

A contract dispute in 2003 saw Barnett leave the promotion on a bad note. He won the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 36 only to be stripped of the belt when he later tested positive for steroids.

Barnett fell short in the finals of the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix, losing to Daniel Cormier, but ended his tenure with a record of 4-1 following his win over Guelmino.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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